HISTORY AND CULTURESDue to some economic and social circumstances in Sweden during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, as well as the American industrial opportunities not available in the homeland, around 1.3 million Swedes immigrated to the U.S. to pursue the American Dream. As the Swedish-American community began to increase in the early 20th century, the Swedish immigrants brought to their new homeland a rich variety of cultural and religious traditions. Consequently, the Gloria Dei Lutheran Church was constructed in 1925 - 1928 to better serve the increasing Scandinavian congregation in the state of Rhode Island.
Designed by Swedish architect Martin Hedmark, Gloria Dei was not only a religiously, but also culturally communal space where the predominantly Scandinavian congregation could gather to preserve the Swedish traditions and values, as well as help one another learn how to adapt to the new American lifestyles. Over the years, Gloria Dei has turned from a Swedish immigrant church into a religious home that embraces diversity, welcoming members from more than 20 countries and continuing to reach out to people of faith with different backgrounds. Today, the church’s community celebrates their diverse and welcoming cultures through various youth, multicultural, as well as religious programs and activities. |
The front door (Photo by Caroline Foley)
This engraved stone monument is carved into the church's exterior to commemorate its history.
(Photo by Evan Fritz) |
Candles in the altar (Photo by Winifer Rosario)
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ARCHITECTURAL DESIGNSSince the church was originally intended to serve the Swedish congregation and was also designed by a Swedish immigrant, its cultural identification is very distinctive, as can be seen in its design. The architectural styles that it adopted reflect the combination of both Swedish and American heritage. Specifically, the building’s design resembles Sweden’s prevailing National Romantic style, as well as Art Deco which was popular in the United States in the 1920s.
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Swedish National Romantic The Swedish National Romantic style, a popular architectural style in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, was a way that Swedish architects reacted to the political and social issues that undermined the national self-esteem. It portrayed the traditional yet progressive values that needs to be preserved from the effects of the industrialization. Thus, designers often favored the Middle Ages mysticism and focused on reformed domestic architecture. The medieval architecture that Gloria Dei adopted in its exterior and façades reflects the Swedish National Romantic style. Additionally, other hints of the style can also be found in the Viking Ship on the left tower, which represents the church sailing to the four corners of the earth, and the beautiful wrought-iron-and-glass sanctuary doors in front of the nave. (Right) The Viking Ship at the top of the church tower - a typical symbol of Swedish National Romanticism (Photo by Eric Daum, architecturehereandthere.com)
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Art Deco The Art Deco architectural style was very popular in the United States in the 1920s and 1930s. It reflects the celebration of industrial progress and technological success at the beginning of the century and often considered the representation of luxury, modernism, sophistication, elegance and boldness. Art Deco used a rich variety of materials and often focused on elements such as setbacks, contrasting colors, geometric objects, streamlined curves and a great use of verticality, all of which are utilized to enhance simplicity, symmetry and modernity. The details in Gloria Dei successfully incorporated the different elements of Art Deco, from the setbacks on top of the main tower, and the patterns on the ceiling lamps and the church pews, to the geometric-shaped limed oak pulpit. |